Caring for People with Psychosis and Schizophrenia

Psychosis conditions, including schizophrenia, are treatable mental health problems that can affect anyone although very few people talk about the conditions and their impact on families. Millions of people across the globe find themselves thrust unexpectedly into a role providing support and care when a relative develops psychosis. Carers can play a major role in supporting their relative’s progress and recovery.

This four-week course will explore some of the key issues and questions relevant to a carer who is supporting a relative with psychosis such as:

• Why is schizophrenia described as psychosis?
• How can we best understand psychosis and its key symptoms such as hearing voices?
• What are the links between cannabis use and developing psychosis?
• Can psychosis affect physical health?
• How do medications in psychosis work and what effects can they have?
• In what ways are siblings of people with psychosis affected?
• How can psychosis affect a carer’s health and their relationships?

This free online course will provide opportunities to share your views and experiences with carers from around the world. It will also include opportunities to consider how the recent Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic affects caregiving experiences and relationships.

You can find out more in Dr Juliana Onwumere’s post for the FutureLearn blog: “How online educational approaches can support the families of people with psychosis.”

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

• Describe the key symptoms and causes of psychosis, the role of psychological and pharmacological treatments, and the meaning and process of recovery
• Identify common physical health problems in psychosis and obstacles to implementing healthier lifestyle options
• Describe the impact that psychosis can have on individuals in a caregiving role and strategies to support improved wellbeing
• Discuss techniques for reducing communication difficulties in caregiving relationships

This course is open to anyone with an interest in psychosis and caregiving issues.

You may be interested in taking the course because:

1. you know someone with psychosis, perhaps your child, partner, sibling, parent or friend and are providing support
2. you are a professional working in a service or other mental healthcare organisation, with an interest in psychosis and families
3. you have an interest in mental health problems.

No previous knowledge of psychosis or experience of caring is required to take the course although some medical terminology is used. There are optional, additional materials for those who want to explore the topics discussed beyond the core material, some of which are academic papers.